Discovery Place Nature
An engaging nature center with live animals, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium, perfect for young explorers. Currently undergoing renovations wi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Discovery Place Nature
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An engaging nature center with live animals, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium, perfect for young explorers. Currently undergoing renovations with new exhibits planned.
"A great day activity for little kids, up to ages 6-8 would love it!"
Check Renovation Status
Confirm operating hours and exhibit availability due to ongoing renovations. :construction:
Budget-Friendly Admission
Utilize discounts like EBT/WIC for $3 tickets or consider a family membership. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Planetarium Shows
Planetarium
Mesmerizing shows about constellations and summer stars, perfect for all ages.
Live Animal Encounters
Creature Cavern & Wildlife Lab
Get up close with snakes, frogs, turtles, and even touch a snake!
Our Big Backyard
Outdoor Play Area
Explore underground tunnels, a stream, and a unique water paint wall.
Butterfly Pavilion
Butterfly Pavilion
A glass-enclosed courtyard filled with plants, though butterfly sightings can vary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Renovation & Closure
Affordable Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Renovation Status
Confirm operating hours and exhibit availability due to ongoing renovations. :construction:
Budget-Friendly Admission
Utilize discounts like EBT/WIC for $3 tickets or consider a family membership. :moneybag:
The butterfly pavilion at Discovery Place Nature is a hidden gem in our city. My daughter just spent an hour there. Highly recommend for families with young kids.
I just found out there is a major renovation/redesign of the old Nature Museum at Freedom Park
Explore Outdoor Areas
Don't miss the nature trails and play areas, especially 'Our Big Backyard'. :hiking_boot:
Planetarium is a Must
The planetarium shows are included and highly recommended for all ages. :star2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Renovation Status
Confirm operating hours and exhibit availability due to ongoing renovations. :construction:
Budget-Friendly Admission
Utilize discounts like EBT/WIC for $3 tickets or consider a family membership. :moneybag:
Explore Outdoor Areas
Don't miss the nature trails and play areas, especially 'Our Big Backyard'. :hiking_boot:
Planetarium is a Must
The planetarium shows are included and highly recommended for all ages. :star2:
Pack Snacks (or Buy)
Vending machines offer snacks and drinks, but bringing your own is an option. :apple:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Discovery Place Nature for its engaging exhibits, especially for young children, and its affordable admission with various discounts. While the building is older, the interactive elements like the planetarium and live animals are consistently highlighted as enjoyable. Some disappointment arises from not seeing butterflies, and awareness of ongoing renovations is key for planning.
"I really wish we'd known about this place before it's about to close for good. I took my daughter here on an off-day from school & we both loved it! Our favorite part was the planetarium, super informative & also let us see close up the constellations that we've learned about beforehand. The space held lots of reptiles & things to read about them. We didn't see any butterflies in that one room for them, only cockroaches. Haha! But the staff were really sweet. It's in a great area, I hate it's going to close. I hope something else is put in its place that's just as useful the all communities."
Ashley L.
"I haven’t been here in years, but visited with my 3 year old son recently and we had a great time! This is a perfect day activity for little kids, up to ages 6-8 I think would love it.
It is an older museum (established in 1951) so the building looks old, and exhibits aren’t as new as they could be, but we haven’t been to many museums, so this was exciting for us!
You enter through the main room that leads down multiple hallways. We bought tickets at the door, $8 each— they also have senior, military, and AAA discounts, as well as a program to offer $3 tickets if you receive WIC or EBT benefits. I ended up buying a yearly membership at the end of our visit, for both the Nature Museum and Discovery Place Science. It covers 2 parents + any kids in the family, and I chose to add one guest so you can bring someone else for any visits.
We took a brief stop into the wildlife lab, which had an event going on with a class of kids (I think from a visiting summer camp or preschool), and got to touch a snake!
Next is the insect alley and creature cavern. Insect alley has some cool displays with bugs, and had a cute “bug” for the kids to stand behind. My son kept giggling when he saw himself in the mirror!
The creature cavern has live animals like snakes, frogs, and turtles. My kiddo really loved stepping onto the rocks and going “hi turtles!”
Our Big Backyard might have been his favorite room; it has underground tunnels kids can go through, and water features like a little stream, and a water paint wall.
Next, we went to a show in the planetarium. He wanted to walk around at first, but when the show started it kept him pretty mesmerized! The projector showed us the stars you can see in the summer, and explained the different constellations and notable stars.
Peetie’s Place is a play area with some books, toys, and nature-inspired decor— there’s also a little area built into the wall that kids can go into.
There were summer camps going on in the Sunspot and Naturalist Lab rooms, and the Dragonfly Theatre didn’t have any events going on so we didn’t go in. We stopped by the Butterfly Pavilion; it’s covered by glass so there’s lots of natural light, and is basically a courtyard with plants.
There’s a vending machine with snacks and drinks, and $1-2 each (they did actually have vegan fig bars that my son likes, so I got one for him!)
We didn’t venture outside to the Paw Paw Nature Trail or Fort Wild, but definitely will on the next visit. I saw a sign outside saying that they’re working on site improvements in the Fort Wild area, and are accepting public input— the site says it’s in draft mode right now, but I’m looking forward to seeing what they do!
Over all, it was a great trip, and we spent the day from 1:30-4:30 here, and had lots of fun. We actually parked on the street by the entrance to Freedom Park, and ended up walking along the trail to the Nature Museum."
Evangelia Edwards
"This museum has improved so much over recent years. Our whole family enjoys the planetarium shows, which are included in admission. The nature trails and outdoor play areas are creative spaces. I appreciate being able to have close up viewing of animals at different eye levels, along with different play spaces. The space is definitely designed with young children in mind."
Bonnie Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Discovery Place Nature is located in Freedom Park. Visitors have mentioned parking on the street near the park entrance and walking along the trail to the museum.
While street parking near Freedom Park is an option, specific parking details for the Nature Museum itself can vary. It's advisable to check their website or local parking guidance.
Yes, if you are in the Freedom Park area, you can walk along the park's trails to reach the Nature Museum.
Public transportation options may be available depending on your starting point in Charlotte. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for routes serving Freedom Park.
Information on specific bus routes or public transport lines serving Discovery Place Nature can be found on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around $8 per person. They offer discounts for seniors, military, AAA members, and a special $3 ticket price for those receiving WIC or EBT benefits.
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the door. However, it's always a good idea to check their website for any advance booking recommendations, especially during peak times or special events.
Absolutely! Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, AAA members, and individuals with WIC or EBT benefits ($3 tickets).
A yearly membership typically covers two parents and all children in the family, with an option to add a guest. This membership often extends to Discovery Place Science as well.
Operating hours can vary, especially due to renovations. It's crucial to check the official Discovery Place Nature website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Planetarium, Creature Cavern with live animals, 'Our Big Backyard' play area, Insect Alley, and the Butterfly Pavilion.
Yes, the Creature Cavern houses a variety of live animals such as snakes, frogs, and turtles. They also have a Wildlife Lab where you might get to touch a snake.
'Our Big Backyard' is an outdoor play area featuring underground tunnels, a stream, and a water paint wall, designed for children's exploration.
Yes, there is a Paw Paw Nature Trail and Fort Wild area outside the main building. Site improvements are planned for Fort Wild, and public input is being accepted.
Focus on interactive exhibits like 'Our Big Backyard,' the live animal encounters, and the mesmerizing planetarium shows. The museum is generally best suited for children up to ages 6-8.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are vending machines available with snacks and drinks for purchase, including some healthier options like vegan fig bars.
Discovery Place Nature does not have a full-service restaurant. Vending machines are the primary option for on-site refreshments.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for nature centers to allow visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated areas or picnic spots outside.
Vending machines offer a selection of snacks and drinks, with items typically priced between $1-$2.
One reviewer mentioned finding vegan fig bars in the vending machines, suggesting some dietary options may be available.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. However, it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in sensitive exhibit areas.
Capture the vibrant colors in the Butterfly Pavilion, the fascinating creatures in the Creature Cavern, and the playful scenes in 'Our Big Backyard'. The planetarium offers unique visual experiences.
Photography during planetarium shows might be restricted to avoid disrupting the experience for others. Check for signage or ask staff before taking pictures.
While personal photos are usually permitted, professional or commercial photography may require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Weekday afternoons often have fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. The natural light in the Butterfly Pavilion can be excellent during the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid larger crowds and allow your children more time to engage with each exhibit. The museum's affordable admission, with special discounts for EBT/WIC recipients, makes it an accessible outing for many families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help keep costs down, though vending machines are available for convenience. The outdoor nature trails and play areas are free to explore once inside, offering additional value.
📚 Educational Groups & Field Trips
The planetarium shows offer a unique educational component, teaching about astronomy and constellations in an engaging format. The 'Our Big Backyard' area encourages imaginative play and exploration, reinforcing concepts learned in classrooms. Booking in advance is highly recommended for group visits to ensure availability and a smooth experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Renovations and Future Plans
Beyond the otter habitat, the museum is also focusing on improving its outdoor spaces. The Fort Wild area is slated for site improvements, and the institution is actively seeking public input on its development. This indicates a commitment to evolving and creating dynamic, nature-focused environments for the community.
Family-Friendly Experience
The museum's layout, with its multiple hallways leading from a main room, allows for a structured yet exploratory visit. Even though the building itself is older, dating back to 1951, the exhibits are designed to be stimulating and fun.
Value and Accessibility
For those who plan to visit frequently, purchasing a yearly membership is a cost-effective choice. These memberships often cover two parents and all children in the family, and can sometimes be extended to include Discovery Place Science, offering dual access.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit